Protesters Block Vans at 1,000-Bed Newark ICE Center as Hunger Strike Claims Draw Reinforcements
Updated
Updated · WABC-TV · May 26
Protesters Block Vans at 1,000-Bed Newark ICE Center as Hunger Strike Claims Draw Reinforcements
10 articles · Updated · WABC-TV · May 26
Federal reinforcements and armored vehicles returned to Delaney Hall on Tuesday after Monday clashes saw ICE agents use pepper spray, rubber bullets and batons outside the Newark detention center.
Protesters rebuilt barricades and stood in front of transport vans, saying about 300 detainees have been on a hunger strike since Friday over alleged rotten food, worms in meals and lack of toilet paper.
Sen. Andy Kim said detainees also reported threats of transfer or lost family visits if they kept protesting; he was pepper-sprayed Monday after an oversight visit while trying to calm the confrontation.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill, denied entry Monday, demanded accountability and asked what DHS was hiding, while DHS called her visit a political stunt and denied inhumane conditions at the privately run 1,000-bed facility.
With government oversight bodies dismantled, how can claims of humane conditions in private detention centers be independently verified?
What happens to detainees who allege abuse when the offices meant to investigate their complaints have been shut down?